Homecoming

Chapter 8

"Does it seem to me or are you really glowing?" Caroline studied me when she visited me at work a few days later.

"It's probably just my halo that bounces off the sun's rays," I joked, further unloading the washed glasses on the shelf.

"No, no," she shook her head. "There will be something else," she said.

"I don't know," I paused. "Maybe I finally picked up some paint?" I threw up. I really had no idea where she was going with this interrogation.

She shook her head again, a suspicious smile on her face. "It won't be a tan, though I have to admit you look healthier, but it'll be sex."

The cup I had just polished almost fell out of my hands. I only caught him at the last minute. With a pounding heart, I carefully placed him on the counter and measured my sister with narrowed eyes.

"In fact, if you sweat something, it's worth it," even though I planned to say it in a sharper tone, my intention didn't work out.

"I hit it," she smirked triumphantly. "You met someone, don't deny it."

I was silent for a moment because I couldn't speak. Her undisguised joy that I was no longer alone warmed my heart. But things didn't go the way she imagined. "How did you come up with such beef?"

"Don't deny," she jerked her elbow at me. "Is it a colleague of yours at work or a casual acquaintance?" she urged me.

"Neither," I grounded her.

I was really glad that I had passed through Jack's death, so to speak, and at the moment I didn't want any new relationship. I found a new meaning in life. I found boys who loved me and who needed my help and support.

But I couldn't admit it to my sister, she couldn't. She certainly wouldn't understand, and she'd still think I was crazy and she'd call the villagers, as my father liked to call them. I wondered if it wasn't criminal, but in the end I didn't do anything wrong. We met the boys in public in the park, I helped Jared with the homework, and Garrett and I just played innocently. It was voluntary on both sides, although I should probably have more sense than them.

I could convince myself that everything was fine, but their father didn't know anything. So far, I've been meeting the boys behind his back, and to be honest, I was afraid of his reaction. I wouldn't blame him if he started screaming, shouting at me or threatening me with lawyers, because in his place I would probably do the same. It would be primarily for the good of my own children.

"You know what?" I snapped angrily, but I was angry with myself rather than Carolina. "I have to go, the terrace is full. See you later."

"Wait," she stood up. "I was just kidding."

"I know," I nodded, trying to avoid the sincerity in her eyes.

"Are you OK?" she looked at me in shock. My exaggerated reaction obviously scared her.

"I am," I nodded. "But I really have to get back to work," I added. I took a round tray and went out on the terrace.

For the rest of the change, I was eaten as I treated my sister. After everything she's done for me lately, she didn't deserve it. I panicked. I was afraid that if my sister found out who I was meeting, she would get me to the nuthouse. She has been threatening me many times that if I don't remember or start going to therapy, she can lock me up there. And these unpleasant thoughts held on to me for the rest of the day.

The next day was Saturday. When I woke up in the morning and the room was lit by the pleasant sunshine, my depression yesterday miraculously dissipated. We agreed with the boys that if it did not rain, we would meet in the park.